How to clean upholstered furniture at home with soda and vinegar

It is impossible to insure a sofa against stains appearing on it. Especially when there is a child or pet.

But even in the most measured everyday life, a situation can easily occur when tea is spilled on upholstered furniture, melted candy falls, or blood gets from a sudden cut.

At the same time, it is not always possible to contact dry cleaning services for sofas. However, there is a way out - the usual soda and vinegar. Our article will tell you how to clean a sofa with vinegar and soda at home.

General cleaning rules

Before you try to clean your sofa with vinegar and soda, make sure that it will not harm it:

The above methods are only suitable for fabric upholstery. A sofa upholstered in suede, natural or synthetic leather cannot be cleaned this way.
Cleaning a sofa with vinegar and soda is contraindicated if the upholstery contains silk fibers. Silk does not like either acids or alkalis.
If the recipe contains a recommendation to thoroughly scrub the sofa with a brush, it is not suitable for fleecy upholstery - velor, velvet. Also, flock and chenille do not like excessive friction. Be very careful when cleaning them with a brush or rag.
Tapestry, velor and velvet do not tolerate heavy moisture. Choose recipes for them in which the sofa does not need to be washed.

Even if the upholstery of your furniture is not included in the list of exceptions, this does not mean that you can do anything with it.

Before cleaning the entire sofa with baking soda and vinegar, test your chosen method on a small, inconspicuous area. Do everything described in the recipe and dry the treated fabric. Now compare it with the rest of the upholstery.

The color hasn’t changed, the pattern hasn’t floated, the pile hasn’t started to fall off? Then the chosen method suits your sofa.

Keep in mind that after wet cleaning and drying, the pile of many upholstery becomes tougher. This can usually be fixed by simply rubbing the treated area with a dry brush. You can also pour a little fabric softener into clean water, which you will use to rinse the upholstery after cleaning. But do not add conditioner directly to vinegar solutions.

If the bristles are not softened by the brush, it means that the selected cleaning products are changing the structure of the fibers. In this case, it is better to choose a different cleaning method for your sofa.

Below are detailed descriptions of cleaning. All recipes use 9% white table vinegar and regular baking soda (not soda ash).

Preparatory stage

Cleaning a sofa (or the upholstery of any soft parts of furniture) with soda and vinegar is quite simple.

First, upholstered furniture must be vacuumed well (preferably with steam) and pet hair removed. This can also be done using a slightly damp soft cloth or sponge. This preparation will prevent unsightly stains on the upholstery.

Note! Before removing stains, apply the prepared solution to a small area of upholstery in an inconspicuous place. After it dries, there should be no traces left on the upholstered furniture: abrasions, discoloration, etc.

To prepare the solution, use regular table vinegar with a strength of 9%. Higher concentrations can irreparably damage upholstery material.

Important! If you only have concentrated 70% vinegar essence, dilute 1 part of it with 7 parts of water.

Cleaning a sofa with baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning the sofa with vinegar and soda will also help get rid of unpleasant odors, including the acrid smell of urine or the corrosive “aroma” of tobacco.

However, before using soda solutions, check whether the sofa upholstery will change color under the influence of the powder. To do this, carry out a test cleaning on a small area; if the fabric changes color after the procedure, you cannot use soda.

There are several ways to clean and disinfect upholstered furniture:

A combined solution of baking soda powder and acetic acid, which is suitable for removing blood, urine and other greasy stains. Take a spray bottle, pour in 1/3 tbsp. vinegar essence and 0.5 l. water. Then add 1 tbsp. l. soda powder. Spray the product evenly over the surface and leave for 10-15 minutes. Remove foam with a medium-hard brush, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Cleaning with vinegar solution. The solution is prepared from 1 tsp. 9% vinegar diluted in 1 liter. water. Soak a sheet in the prepared solution and cover the entire surface of the sofa with it. If one sheet is not enough, use two. Take a beater and thoroughly tap the upholstered furniture - all the dirt will remain on the sheet. Repeat the procedure until the sheet stops getting dirty. For a more delicate cleaning, reduce the amount of vinegar to 1/2 teaspoon. — this solution is suitable for cleaning velor sofas.

Ready-made chemicals

You can also clean the sofa with chemicals. While studying the sofa cleaning product, we familiarize ourselves with its description and rules of use. The description indicates what type of fabric it is intended for:

"Vanish" The line of this product includes shampoo, antibacterial agent and powder. For coatings that do not tolerate moisture, we use the latter (cleaning using the dry method);
"Marseille Soap" Contains olive oil and baking soda. Used to clean small stains. Wet the soap, rub the stained area and after 20 minutes rinse with a damp cloth;
"Denkmit" - foam for cleaning carpet and sofa upholstery. We use it for velvet, tapestry and silk coverings;
"Sama" Effectively fights old stains, dirt and bacteria;
Bagi "It's quiet." We use it as a stain remover and as a complete cleaning agent;

Advice! Do not let the product dry, otherwise it will leave streaks that are difficult to wash off.

"Pro Brite" An environmentally friendly product, suitable for people with allergies. It has a sprayer that is convenient for applying the product to local areas of the upholstery;
"Dufta", "Simple Solution", "Nature's Miracle". These products effectively combat unpleasant odors and completely eliminate them.

Wet cleaning with baking soda and vinegar

Cleaning with a solution of vinegar and sodium bicarbonate can remove stains of various origins:

traces of urine from children or animals;
blood;
greasy stains, traces of food or drinks;
from most fruits or vegetables and their juices.

To prepare the solution, add 2 tbsp to 0.5 liters of water. l. vinegar, 1 tbsp. l. soda, mix well. The prepared solution is poured into a spray bottle, sprayed on the surface of the sofa, left for 20 minutes, after which the contaminated areas are wiped with a brush with medium-hard bristles or a foam sponge. Wipe off any remaining product with a cloth moistened with clean water. Allow the upholstery to dry, then vacuum thoroughly.

You can clean your sofa with baking soda and vinegar, mixing them with laundry detergent, laundry liquid or dishwashing liquid. To prepare the product, pour 0.5 liters of hot water into a basin, add 1 tsp. detergent or 1 tbsp. l. washing powder, 1/3 cup table vinegar.

Sofa cleaning solution made from vinegar, soda and “Fairy”

The method is suitable for removing general dirt, grease, street dirt, tea, coffee, grease, and beer stains. The product will also help restore the faded color of upholstery fabric. Fairy can be replaced with any other dishwashing liquid, as well as high-quality liquid soap.

Cleaning instructions:

Mix 80-100 ml of vinegar, 1 tsp in a spray bottle. "Fairy" and about 400 ml of hot water.
Add 1 tbsp to the mixture. l. soda Be careful - the product foams quickly and strongly. Close the bottle.
Spray the resulting solution evenly onto the surface of the upholstery.
Wait a few minutes for the “chemistry” to dissolve the dirt.
Scrub the most dirty areas with a brush.
When all stains have been wiped off and dissolved, remove the dirty liquid with a sponge and clean water.
Wipe the upholstery dry with a cotton towel and dry the sofa.

Remember

Table vinegar removes dirt and foreign odors from alcoholic drinks, juices, human, cat and dog urine.
Effective in the prevention and control of small numbers of bedbugs.
Helps remove odors from any type of upholstery and carpets.
Vinegar is replaced with vinegar essence, iodine, manganese, lemon juice or laundry soap.
The smell of vinegar disappears within 3 days.

Educational article? Write a comment about your own experience and share recipes!

How to clean a sofa with baking soda at home

At home, removing stubborn stains can be very difficult. To deal with stains and get rid of odors without using an aggressive detergent, you can clean the sofa with soda and vinegar, peroxide, washing powder or alcohol.

Dry cleaning a sofa with baking soda

Baking soda is considered an effective cleaning agent for upholstered furniture. It disinfects and kills pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms: for example, dust mites.

To get rid of a stain without using a solution, simply sprinkle baking soda over the stain in a 1-2 cm layer. Leave for 40-50 minutes, then use a vacuum cleaner to collect the powder.

Dry cleaning works well for removing fresh stains.

Soda powder can also be used to dry the sofa after using liquid solutions. When you remove the solution, simply fill the wet area with baking soda - it absorbs moisture well, allowing the sofa to dry out faster.

Reviews

Angelina, 43 years old, Kirov. An incredibly dirty sofa was left in the apartment from the previous owners. I tried “Vanish” and other fashionable products - zero results. A neighbor advised cleaning it with vinegar and soda. Of course it smells terrible, but the result exceeded all expectations - the sofa was cleaned quickly, the first time.

Maria, 23 years old, Minsk. The kid spilled tomato juice on the sofa. We didn’t notice it right away; the juice had managed to soak into the upholstery. I thought I couldn’t remove the stain, but I read reviews about baking soda and detergent. I made the mixture, applied it - after 10 minutes. There was no trace left of the stain!

The best folk remedies for cleaning a sofa on video.

Dry cleaning a sofa with baking soda

It is recommended to rid the sofa of stains using dry sodium bicarbonate. The product can remove traces of tea, juices, dirt, ballpoint pens and children's paints. Dry soda is used to remove grease and update the color of upholstery. Sodium bicarbonate is applied to both dry and damp upholstery and left for 30 minutes. If necessary, especially dirty areas should be cleaned with a damp sponge or brush and then vacuumed.

To remove particularly difficult stains, you can prepare a paste of 1 part baking soda and 1 part water or detergent. The resulting paste is applied to the stain with a brush and allowed to dry. Then remove with a brush or vacuum cleaner.

Nuances of different types of fabrics

In the modern furniture industry, a variety of materials are used as upholstery for armchairs, chairs and sofas, and each of them requires an individual approach.

Leather. A luxurious leather sofa requires careful care. Dust and sand get clogged into the pores and folds of natural material. Crumbs and specks with sharp edges scratch the delicate leather surface. To maintain the respectable appearance of the sofa, its surface must be regularly wiped with a damp cloth and lubricated with cosmetic Vaseline.
Velours. Products upholstered with this delicate velvety material must be cleaned extremely carefully, moving in the direction of the pile. You should not use a vacuum cleaner to avoid getting “bald” areas. A solution with salt and vinegar is safe for velor.
Tapestry. Fabric upholstery of this type is afraid of getting wet. Liquid that gets into the sofa filler can permanently damage the product and cause an unpleasant moldy odor.
Viscose. The best cleaners for viscose upholstery are acetic acid and citric acid, which will prevent discoloration in the cleaning area.
Silk. The silk surface can be easily cleaned with a solution made from water and mild washing powder. However, before the procedure, it is necessary to test the composition on an inconspicuous corner of the fabric, since some types of dyed silk can fade.

If you regularly and properly care for your favorite sofa, it will last for decades and will retain its original appearance throughout its entire service life. There are many simple methods and means used to carry out preventive cleaning and remove complex stains from upholstery fabric. Well, if not one of them suits, you will have to go to the dry cleaner.

How to remove odor from a couch using baking soda and vinegar

The easiest way to eliminate unpleasant odors is to cover the furniture with a sheet soaked in a 1% solution of table vinegar. It is advisable to carry out this procedure several times in a row until the unpleasant odor completely disappears. You can simply moisten a napkin with a 1% solution of vinegar, to which you need to add 1 tsp. hydrogen peroxide. Dry baking soda also adsorbs odor well. To do this, scatter it evenly over the surface of the sofa upholstery, leave it for 2-3 hours, and then carefully collect it with a vacuum cleaner. The problem of how to clean urine from a sofa can be solved with the help of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid. These substances break down the components of urine, permanently eliminating its odor. To begin with, a fresh stain should be carefully and repeatedly blotted with paper napkins to prevent the urine from being absorbed into the upholstery and filling of the sofa.

Contaminated areas are generously moistened with a solution of vinegar diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2, covered with a paper napkin, and left to dry completely. After this, the stains are wiped with dry sodium bicarbonate powder. Then a mixture of 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and 1 part cold water is applied to the contaminated areas with a spray bottle.

You can add ½ tsp to the solution. liquid detergent. Mixing on the surface of the upholstery, the substances will begin to foam, releasing oxygen, which will destroy the components of urine. After 2-3 hours, wipe the upholstery with a clean sponge or napkin and then dry it.

Recommendations for upholstered furniture

Before cleaning, the furniture must be thoroughly vacuumed or wiped, getting rid of dust, so that there are no streaks left after manipulation. For the same purpose, stains are cleaned from the periphery to the center. To avoid leaving traces, it is advisable to treat the sofa completely and not partially.

When carrying out wet cleaning, you do not need to wet the furniture abundantly so as not to stimulate the formation of mold. It will be enough to moisten the fabric a little.

Sodium bicarbonate must be carefully removed from the surface - rinse or vacuum up. Residues of the substance may begin to collect moisture or dust from the air, which will accelerate the contamination of the sofa upholstery. Delicate fabrics (tapestry, silk, velvet, velor) are cleaned dry, avoiding excessive friction. Flock and chenille are afraid of mechanical damage.

Method 1

Moisten old stains generously with a solution prepared from 9% vinegar and water.
Cover with paper and leave until dry.
Sprinkle the stain with baking soda powder.
In a spray bottle, mix cooled boiling water with 100 milliliters of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Add 1/2 spoon of Fairy or liquid soap, shake the mixture slightly.
Spray the solution over the baking soda and leave for 2-4 hours.
Wipe the upholstery with a damp cloth or sponge.
Wipe the treated area with a piece of dry cloth that absorbs moisture well.

Coffee. Lightly wet the stain with water, rub with laundry soap (not bleach), and wait until it is absorbed. Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any foam or remaining dirt.

Method 2

For leather or leatherette, whipped chicken protein is suitable. Try milk, it can also cleanse your skin. The wine stain will be removed by treating it with an alcohol wipe. The ink will disappear if you treat the area with ethyl alcohol.
Velor is one of the most difficult types of fabric to clean. Saline or vinegar solutions are suitable. Movements should only be made in the direction of the pile.
When cleaning suede or nubuck, use an alcohol solution or dissolved salt. Dust and hair can be removed from suede with a special brush designed for suede.
The tapestry covering should not be wetted - only apply foam and vacuum it after a while.

Baking soda is a good adsorbent not only of dirt, but also of odors. Vinegar replaces stain remover or conditioner. These substances are used to remove grease, stains, and persistent odors. At the same time, they are safe for human health and do not cause allergies. There are several simple ways to clean a sofa with vinegar and soda without harming the upholstery.